Top 2024 Film Picks from Influential Critics You Can’t Miss!

In search of a cinematic retreat as the year comes to a conclusion? For a compilation of some of the year’s most distinguished and notable films — along with a few lesser-known treasures you might have overlooked — Jeffrey Brown conversed with Mike Sargent, the host of the podcast Brown and Black and co-president of the Black Film Critics Circle, as well as Linda Holmes, host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour.

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“Wicked”

“I wasn’t particularly eager for [‘Wicked’] but I was greatly impressed… It is undoubtedly a movie you should experience in cinemas… with as large an audience as possible. It was truly something. It’s an occasion, and there’s a reason it’s succeeding so well.”

— Mike Sargent

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“Conclave”

“It’s fundamentally about selecting the next pope and what that entire process entails. It’s quite a journey and provides insight into how all of that unfolds. There are numerous twists and turns alongside outstanding performances from three Oscar nominees, Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow.”

— Mike Sargent

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“The Fall Guy”

“My action film sensibilities this year gravitated towards ‘The Fall Guy,’ featuring Ryan Gosling as a stunt performer working on a movie directed by his ex, portrayed by Emily Blunt. It blends action with comedy, tinged with a bit of romance. I found it to be filled with warmth, and it boasts some remarkable stunts.”

— Linda Holmes

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“The Brutalist”

“The Brutalist, starring Adrien Brody, is a substantial, lengthy film running three-and-a-half hours. It tells a beautiful tale of an artist striving to find his way post-Holocaust, attempting to fulfill his artistic vision. It’s an exceptional film focused on art and artists.”

— Linda Holmes

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“Nickel Boys”

“This is grounded in a real school that operated for over a century. The narrative focuses on two boys enduring, let’s say, all the brutal realities they faced at this institution… It’s a fascinating storytelling technique, as the director presents everything through the eyes of the two young boys, creating a deeply impactful story.”

— Mike Sargent

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“Anora”

“Sean Baker is a filmmaker known for his thought-provoking work. He highlights those often overlooked in society. ‘Anora’ tells the story of a sex worker from Brooklyn who gets what she perceives as her Cinderella moment… This film involves multiple twists and turns… It’s extremely captivating and will keep you engaged the entire time.”

— Mike Sargent

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“Sing Sing”

“‘Sing Sing’ narrates the story of the theater program for inmates at Sing Sing Prison and is based on real events. Additionally, many people featured in the film are former inmates from Sing Sing who participated in this program, bringing their theatrical training and background to the story.”

— Linda Holmes

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“His Three Daughters”

“This film intrigued me because of the cast, which includes Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen—three immensely diverse yet consistently strong performers. It revolves around three sisters who reunite at their father’s apartment as he nears the end of his life. It presents a wonderful narrative about how aging parents complicate sibling dynamics and can bring individuals closer, yet also stir up significant family issues.”

— Linda Holmes

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“Piece by Piece”

“It’s a documentary centered on Pharrell Williams, and it’s not only animated but crafted using Legos, presenting a unique and inventive approach to documentary filmmaking. This method fits perfectly with how the narrative unfolds, as there are many fantastical elements of his life that benefit from visualization.”

— Mike Sargent

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“Girls State”

“A couple of years ago, there was a film named ‘Boys State,’ which documented the Boys State program that gathers high school boys to create a mock government and conduct elections. This year, it focused on Girls State. This was filmed just as the Supreme Court was reviewing reproductive rights, and the girls engaged in the program were very focused on that issue. The differences for girls in such a program, at least for these participants, are thoroughly examined.”

— Linda Holmes